John Ascuaga, right, and his son, Stephen, listen to Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval's remarks at the Governor's Conference on Tourism on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012.

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John Ascuaga, who built a B Street coffee shop with slots in 1955 into the twin-tower John Ascuaga's Nugget resort, was honored Tuesday with the first Legends award at the Governor's Conference on Tourism.

Ascuaga, long considered a gaming icon of Nevada, received a standing ovation from the crowd and high praise from Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval

Sandoval praised Ascuaga for his innovation and ability as a creative thinker. He also recalled his boyhood visits to the Nugget. ...